alternatehistory.com

Hurrah for Old Joe!: Hooker Wins at Chancellorsville



Hurrah for Old Joe! The men cheered as Joseph Hooker, commanding general of Army of Potomac, road past in triumph. The sight of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia pulling away had elated the entire army. The tide had finally turned, the days of defeat and disgrace were to the rear, victory lay ahead. Hooker was fully immersed in his accomplishment, just months prior his critics had mocked him as a drunkard, a gambler and a womanizer. Now the road to Richmond lay straight ahead.

Hooker was one of the most interesting figures to come out of the war. He had served throughout the Peninsula and Maryland campaigns earning a reputation as an aggressive fighter. In January of 1863, he was appointed commander of the AoP in aftermath of the disaster at Fredericksburg and the so called Mud March. To his excellence President Abraham Lincoln, he had boldly declared to his intent to emerge victorious or die trying. Now it appeared Hooker’s bombast had come to fruition. This success though was not only due to his boldness it had been the result of months of meticulously preparations. He had many to thank for this great success……
Top